From the elaborate gowns and costumes to the colorful krewes and parades, there is a mystique surrounding Mardi Gras. Even if you are unable to attend any of the festivities that lead up to Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), you can learn more about the history and pageantry regarding this annual celebration year round at various Mardi Gras museums in the South.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

The museum houses the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the South, with around 280 costumes on display at all time, and details the history of Mardi Gras in the area.
Tues. - Fri., 1 - 5 p.m., with extended hours during Mardi Gras season, Sat., 1 - 5 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for children and senior citizens.

Shreveport, Louisiana

Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum

The Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum shows off two decades of Mardi Gras in northwest Louisiana. View displays of costumes, memorabilia and parade floats.
Call 318-741-9264 to arrange an appointment to tour. $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens, $1 for children, ages 5 - 18 and free for children, ages 5 and younger.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Capitol Park Museum

The Mardi Gras section at Capitol Park Museum provides a general overview of Mardi Gras and highlights how parishes throughout the state celebrate.
Tues. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $6 for adults, $5 for students, senior citizens and military, free for children, ages 6 and younger.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how props and floats are created and designed during a one and a half hour guided tour of Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. See artists' studios and learn how different pieces are crafted.

The tour begins with a short video and the opportunity to on costumes and sample of a King Cake from Gambino's.
Mon. - Sun., 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., tours begin every half hour with the first one at 9:30 a.m., and last one at 4 p.m. $22 for adults and children, $17 for seniors, ages 65 and up, and for students with college ID; $14 for children, ages 2 - 11.

The Presbytère

Learn about the celebrations and rituals that make up Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana, one of two permanent exhibits at The Presbytère.

Climb aboard a parade float, see the different throws, learn about Mardi Gras music and more.
Tues. - Sun., 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students, free for children ages 6 and under.

The exhibits highlight over two dozen elaborate costumes that include 13 of Mrs. Wells' queen costumes as well as vintage photographs, Carnival masks and krewe invitations.
Open to the public during restaurant hours. Free.

Local photographer Sylvester Francis has curated a vast collection of Mardi Gras items associated with the African American community in the Big Easy. On display includes everything from Mardi Gras Indians costumes to artifacts related to jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs and more.
Tues. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is $10.

Located in the Lower Ninth Ward, the House of Dance and Feathers, started by life-long resident, Ronald Lewis, could be described as a living history museum. The collection celebrates the significance of Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, and Skull and Bone Gangs. More than just displays, Lewis intertwines personal stories with each item represented.

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile Carnival Museum

The birthplace of Mardi Gras is home to the Mobile Carnival Museum. Housed in the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion, the museum details over 300 years of celebration in the city through photographs, gowns, costumes and other Mardi Gras-related pieces.
Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., and every other Thurs., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $5 for adults, $2 for children, ages 12 and under.

Bonus... Not a museum per se, but three of Antoine's private rooms are named after krewes: Rex, Proteus and 12th Night Revelers. Each room's walls are decorated with photographs and various memorabilia from throughout the years.Call 504-581-4422 to arrange a private tour of the restaurant.